King Otra ($3.60), getting a crafty drive from veteran reinsman Tony Morgan, made every pole a winning one taking his first $9,000 Open Pace of the season on Saturday night (Oct.20) at Batavia Downs.
Leaving from the rail, King Otra got plenty of respect from the other six rivals strolling to the first quarter in :28.3 as the field lined up in post position order. A :30-second, second quarter breather gave the five-year-old altered son of Western Ideal a big advantage on the top end as field reached the half.
Down the backside, the 'King' began to lengthen his stride pacing a :28.3 third quarter. A :28.1 final stanza sealed the deal with King Otra going on to a one and three-quarter length score over Cole Hard Cash (Dan Noble) and the pocket sitter, Spender Hanover (Jack Flanigen).
King Otra was claimed for $10,000 back on July 14 at Buffalo Raceway by current owner and now trainer Linda Magnusson. Since the claim he has won eight times and is Western New York’s winningest pacer with 13 victories in 2012. He raised his seasonal earnings to $58,413.
Jacqueline Ball of Batavia correctly selected all nine winners in the final free Handicapping Contest of the season at Batavia Downs and takes home the top prize of $500. A total of 268 patrons participated in the contest.
(With files from Batavia Downs)